Dental Crowns & Bridges
THE MOST TIME-TESTED, RELIABLE DENTAL RESTORATION OPTION
Dental crowns or fixed bridges are a time-tested restorative option for common dental ailments, such as a tooth damaged by decay or injury, or a lost tooth.
What are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a custom-designed, tooth-shaped cover placed over a tooth and secured with dental cement. Crowns are generally used to restore damaged teeth, to improve the strength or appearance of the tooth.
Crowns are also used for cosmetic purposes to improve your smile or to cover badly stained teeth. They can be used to improve your bite and jaw health, as well.
You may need a crown due to:
- Severe damage or decay
- Root canal therapy
- Large fillings that need to be repaired
- Cosmetic purposes
In order to fabricate the crown, a dental impression of your existing teeth will usually be taken. Impressions are used to measure the gap between the missing tooth and the existing teeth as well as to match the shape and color of your teeth.
Dental crowns are made from a variety of materials. Most are made from porcelain and gold. A holistic crown is made from a special ceramic.
- Porcelain and ceramic crowns are aesthetically more appealing and very natural looking.
- Gold is usually used on the back teeth, because it is easier to use than porcelain and requires less tooth to be drilled away.
- Crowns are also used to protect broken, worn-down teeth.
- They can be used to cover dental implants, a dental bridge, or a tooth with a large filling.
What are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are used as a replacement for a missing tooth by attaching permanently to adjoining teeth or dental implants. They are an alternative to dental implants or dentures. Bridges are important because the teeth on either side of a missing tooth can shift and potentially lead to gum disease. Bridges are most often made of porcelain and gold.
What is a Fixed Dental Bridge?
A fixed dental bridge is composed of a filler tooth that’s attached to two crowns that fit over existing teeth and hold the bridge in place. A fixed dental bridge is non-removable and offers a very aesthetic, natural replacement for missing teeth.
What is an Implant-Supported Dental Bridge?
An implant-supported bridge is a dental prosthesis used to replace three or more teeth. It is anchored to the jaw using dental implants. This type of dental bridge is actually better for your overall oral health because it preserves your jawbone density.
Fixed bridges are not secured into your jaw, which allows the bone underneath to deteriorate with time. Because implant-supported bridges are anchored, they help to maintain the bone.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
- Prevent moving and erosion
- Last a long time
- Restore ability to chew properly
- Maintain the shape of the face
- Restore smile
- Aesthetically appealing
